Pinellas Park Truck Accident Attorneys
Our Pinellas Park truck accident lawyers can get to the bottom of what caused your collision so you can pursue compensation from the liable parties involved.
Summary
- Pinellas Park is a hub for heavy traffic and commercial vehicles.
- Truck accidents in Pinellas Park are often caused by driver error, mechanical failures, speeding, road conditions, fatigue, and impaired driving.
- Common truck accident injuries include head and spinal injuries, fractures, organ damage, and whiplash.
- Liability in truck accidents can involve multiple parties, such as drivers, companies, or parts manufacturers.
- Truck accident victims can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and additional future damages.
Pinellas Park, located in the heart of Pinellas County, Florida, is home to 53,093 residents. It ranks as the fourth-largest city within the county. Established in 1914, Pinellas Park has a long history and is part of the Tampa Bay Area, officially known as the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area.
If you’re like most drivers, you’ve probably breathed a sigh of relief after getting away from a large truck on the highway, and with good reason. Those trucks exponentially outweigh your vehicle.
In the event of a Florida truck accident, you’d get the short end of the stick. In fatal large truck accidents, IIHS data estimates over 80% of deaths are car occupants, pedestrians, and cyclists whereas a much lower 16% rate impacts truck occupants.
Those who survive often face devastating injuries. What’s worse is that the main factors that lead to these types of accidents are often avoidable. If you sustained injuries in a truck accident in Pinellas Park, Jones Law Group is here for you.
Our Pinellas Park truck accident lawyers can help recover damages for all you have endured. Call (727) 571-1333 or submit a contact form for a free consultation.
Factors in Pinellas Park, FL Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Pinellas Park often stem from a combination of driver error, mechanical issues, and unfavorable road conditions. With its bustling highways and proximity to major urban centers, the area sees heavy commercial traffic, which increases the likelihood of incidents.
The common causes of truck accidents include:
Brake Problems
Commercial trucks require maintenance more often than standard vehicles. Brakes are one of the parts that wear down the fastest. If they’re not inspected regularly and repaired and replaced properly, they can fail regardless of how careful and skilled a trucker is.
Traffic Flow Interruption
When traffic isn’t flowing as predicted, truck drivers may do some guesswork when maneuvering, and they don’t always make the right choice. For instance, when cars aren’t moving at a steady pace, truckers may misjudge whether it’s safe to merge into another lane or miscalculate how much time they have to come to a stop.
Drug Abuse
While there are legal limits on how long truckers can drive, the drivers are able to work lengthy shifts, often 16 hours stretches. As an FDOT safety report on operator schedules found, long hours put drivers at a higher risk of fatigue, which can lead to dangerous driving mistakes.
Desperate to cope with the demands of the job, some drivers turn to illicit stimulants to stay awake. But awake doesn’t always mean alert. Stimulants that make users jittery and impatient can influence truckers to drive aggressively and over confidently.
Others turn to drugs with sedative effects to relieve stress. These types of drugs can also cloud their judgment as well as delay their reaction time. They may even make drivers fall asleep behind the wheel.
Speeding
Like thousands of other drivers, truckers are guilty of going faster than the posted limit. It’s much harder for truckers to regain control of their large vehicles when they’re forced to slow down.
Road Problems
Trucks are susceptible to all of the dangers of the road that standard cars face. When it rains, not only does it impact visibility for truckers, the roads become slick and less manageable.
Likewise, potholes, debris, and even detours can unexpectedly throw drivers off. They may change course suddenly or overcorrect while swerving, potentially coming into contact with several cars at once.
Stopping Too Fast
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) suggests that those operating standard tractor-trailers over 40 MPH give themselves five seconds for every 10 feet of their vehicle.
That’s over 25 seconds for a 53 foot truck. Truckers who don’t give themselves ample space are forced to stop too quickly, and they’re likely to collide with the vehicle ahead.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Drivers in the trucking industry are under immense pressure to meet deadlines. They spend long hours on the road to ensure that goods are delivered to their destinations on time.
Sometimes truckers sacrifice the breaks and sleep they need to rejuvenate and stay alert. Unfortunately, truck driver fatigue is often a factor in commercial truck accidents.
Driving Drunk
According to CDC data on drunk driving, every day 29 people in the United States die in a car accident involving a driver who is under the influence of alcohol. While all drunk drivers pose a threat to themselves and everyone else on the road, driving drunk as a trucker is exceeding dangerous.
That’s why operators of commercial motor vehicles like trucks cannot legally drive with a blood alcohol level of .04 or higher under Florida DUI laws, a much lower limit than drivers of standard vehicles must observe.
Despite the law, there are plenty of truck drivers who use alcohol and other substances on the job.
Common Injuries from Pinellas Park Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. The outcomes can vary, but many victims experience serious physical harm that requires long-term treatment and recovery.
Below are some of the most common injuries caused by Pinellas Park truck accidents:
- Head and Brain Injuries: These include concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can affect cognitive function and may have lasting effects.
- Spinal Cord Damage: These injuries could lead to temporary or permanent paralysis and significant lifestyle changes.
- Bone Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are frequently broken in high-impact collisions.
- Internal Injuries: Severe crashes can result in damage to vital organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs, which require immediate medical attention.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Even low-speed accidents can cause soft tissue damage and persistent neck pain.
- Burns or Lacerations: Fires, shattered glass, or debris from a crash can result in painful burns or deep cuts.
Determining Truck Accident Liability
Determining liability in truck accident claims isn’t typically cut and dry. There are many potential culprits, including parts manufacturers, companies that handle maintenance, employers, and the drivers themselves.
Pinellas Park truck accident attorneys have experience in gathering evidence and investigating to find out who is at fault. Often, more than one person or entity is responsible. In those cases, your Pinellas Park truck accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim against multiple parties.
Damages You Can Claim from Pinellas Park Truck Accident Injuries
You can pursue compensation for all the ways you’ve suffered due to a Pinellas Park truck accident. This includes medical expenses like hospital bills, the cost of doctors’ and therapy appointments, as well as the cost of medications and medical devices.
Similarly, you can include lost wages for the time you’ve missed work as well as future lost wages for professional opportunities you’ll miss because of your injuries. Your truck accident attorney will factor in your pain and suffering when determining the value of your claim.
Receiving a Truck Accident Settlement
Companies that insure trucking businesses have a lot at stake. Policy limits are substantial, and insurers go to lengthy measures to protect them. They encourage accident victims to settle for lower offers than they deserve.
If they do have to pay a sizable amount to compensate for truck accident damages, insurance companies often try to stretch payments out over long periods of time with no regard to the victims waiting for relief.
Since insurance companies are motivated to increase their profits by underpaying accident victims, you must hire an experienced Pinellas Park truck accident lawyer to negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Pinellas Park
Being involved in a truck accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps afterward is crucial to safeguard your health and preserve your ability to seek compensation. Here’s what you should do:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor to address any hidden injuries that could worsen later.
Call Law Enforcement: Report the accident to local authorities to ensure an official record is created.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries to support your case.
Gather Information: Collect contact details from witnesses, as well as the truck driver’s insurance information and employer details.
Avoid Making Statements: Refrain from admitting fault or making detailed statements to insurance companies without legal advice.
Contact an Attorney: Consult a Jones Law Group Pinellas Park personal injury lawyer experienced in truck accident claims to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Why Hire Jones Law Group Pinellas Park Truck Accident Lawyers
When it comes to truck accident claims, having the right legal team can make all the difference in achieving a fair outcome. The experienced attorneys at Jones Law Group are dedicated to helping victims in Pinellas Park recover the compensation they deserve after a truck accident.
Expertise in Truck Accident Laws
Truck accident cases often involve complex legal and regulatory issues, such as federal trucking laws and liability disputes. Additionally, Florida laws may impact truck accident claims. The attorneys at Jones Law Group have in-depth knowledge of these intricacies, ensuring that your claim is thoroughly prepared and presented.
Proven Track Record of Success
Jones Law Group has successfully represented many truck accident victims, securing favorable settlements and verdicts. Our results demonstrate our ability to effectively advocate for our clients and maximize compensation.
Strong Negotiation Skills
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but the team of Pinellas Park truck accident lawyers at Jones Law Group is skilled at negotiating with insurers to achieve fair compensation. We know the tactics insurers use and how to counter them effectively.
Personalized Legal Support
Every truck accident case is unique. Truck accident attorneys at Jones Law Group take the time to understand your specific circumstances and conduct a thorough investigation of your truck accident, providing you with personalized guidance throughout the legal process.
No Upfront Costs
With Jones Law Group, you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. We work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
Contact a Pinellas Park Truck Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, facing trucking and insurance companies on your own can be intimidating. Having a seasoned truck accident attorney on your side will provide you with the expertise and guidance you need to get through this difficult time.
The Pinellas Park truck accident attorneys of Jones Law Group will use their experience and extensive resources to secure maximum compensation on your behalf. For a free consultation, contact us online or by phone at (727) 571-1333.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I have to file a truck accident claim in Pinellas Park?
In Florida, you generally have up to two years from the date of the truck accident to file a claim for personal injury. You must adhere to this time frame, known as the statute of limitations, as missing it can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
How long will my truck accident claim take to get a settlement?
The timeline for resolving a truck accident claim varies based on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and negotiations with insurance companies. Most claims are resolved within a few months, but cases involving significant disputes or litigation can take longer.
Can I make a truck accident claim in Pinellas Park without a lawyer?
Technically, you can file a claim without legal representation. However, truck accident cases are often challenging due to legal nuances and aggressive insurance tactics. Hiring an experienced Pinellas Park truck accident attorney can greatly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
